The Christmas Parade, which was a regular feature of the festive season build-up in Gisborne for many years, makes a comeback on December 7, and the kids will be delighted to know it. Photo / Gisborne Herald
The Christmas Parade, which was a regular feature of the festive season build-up in Gisborne for many years, makes a comeback on December 7, and the kids will be delighted to know it. Photo / Gisborne Herald
Santa Claus is coming to town,
The big man in red will be welcomed back in the return of Gisborne’s annual Christmas Parade on December 7.
In early August, it was announced efforts were under way by community organisation It’s a Gizzy Christmas to bring back the parade.
The lasttime one was held in the city was December 6, 2020.
Last year, It’s a Gizzy Christmas ran an alternative Christmas event at the Marina, which drew a crowd of around 2000. That event will also run again this year, following the parade.
Natasha Olsen, the 2025 parade organiser and manager, said in August that she had been asked by a number of people to put a parade together.
The man in red will be welcomed back to Gisborne in a special parade in his honour next month. Photo / Gisborne Herald
“Sunday, December 7, is the date, starting at 4pm, and we have December 14 as a rain-out alternative day if needed,” she told the Gisborne Herald.
“It will start at the Peel Street Bridge, go along Palmerston Rd to Grey St, Grey St to Gladstone Rd and along the main street to Lowe St, where the parade will end.”
Olsen said more than 20 groups and businesses had entered so far.
“We’ve got entries in the form of walking groups and dressed-up vehicles and trailers and, of course, Santa will be there.
“He will be travelling in an open-top classic vehicle ... owned by a member of the Gisborne community.
“There is no theme as such this year – just to celebrate Christmas and Santa. I’m sure the kids watching will enjoy it.”
Olsen said it was not too late for people to enter the parade.
The community celebration from It’s a Gizzy Christmas will again take place at the Marina and Kelvin Park from 5pm-8pm that day.
“It’s a great way to come together and celebrate what makes Gizzy so special,” Olsen said in a statement via Gisborne District Council.
“Tamariki can look forward to free face-painting, Christmas ornament crafts, a sausage sizzle, bouncy castles, spot prizes, themed photo booths for capturing Christmas memories and the chance to write letters to Santa.
“For adults, there’ll be Gizzy’s favourite food trucks, live music and plenty of space to relax with a picnic blanket or chair under the summer sky.”
Santa will also make a stop there after the parade to have photos with kids in his sleigh.
The parade and park celebration have been funded by Gisborne District Council ($40,000), Trust Tairāwhiti ($15,000) and parade sponsors Professional Traffic Solutions, which is covering traffic management costs.
“These events promise to bring the spirit of Christmas back to the heart of Gisborne,” Olsen said.
